Songbirds
Baltimore Oriole
Icterus galbula
The Baltimore oriole is a small icterid blackbird common in eastern North America as a migratory breeding bird. It received its common name from the resemblance of the male's colors to those on the coat-of-arms of 17th-century Lord Baltimore.
Males are flame orange with a black head and back; females are yellow-orange.
- Scientific name
- Icterus galbula
- Group
- Songbirds
- Main color
- Orange
- Conservation (IUCN)
- Least concern
Size and shape
This medium-sized passerine measures 17–22 cm (6.7–8.7 in) in length and spans 23–32 cm (9.1–12.6 in) across the wings.
Diet
Baltimore orioles forage in trees and shrubs, also making short flights to catch insects.
Range and habitat
They migrate to winter in the Neotropics as far north as Mexico and sometimes the southern coast of the United States, but predominantly in Central America and northern South America.
Lifespan
The oldest recorded Baltimore oriole lived to 11 years and 7 months in the wild.
Voice
Male orioles sing to proclaim and protect territory.
Baltimore Oriole FAQ
How big is the Baltimore Oriole?
This medium-sized passerine measures 17–22 cm (6.7–8.7 in) in length and spans 23–32 cm (9.1–12.6 in) across the wings.
What does the Baltimore Oriole eat?
Baltimore orioles forage in trees and shrubs, also making short flights to catch insects.
How long does the Baltimore Oriole live?
The oldest recorded Baltimore oriole lived to 11 years and 7 months in the wild.
How do I identify a Baltimore Oriole?
Males are flame orange with a black head and back; females are yellow-orange.
Where does the Baltimore Oriole live?
They migrate to winter in the Neotropics as far north as Mexico and sometimes the southern coast of the United States, but predominantly in Central America and northern South America.
Is the Baltimore Oriole endangered?
No. The IUCN Red List rates the Baltimore Oriole as least concern (status read from Wikidata).
Facts on this page are summarized from the Wikipedia article on the Baltimore Oriole (read October 27, 2026) and conservation status from Wikidata. Quick ID notes are Birdstagram's own summary.